We have just returned from 8 days at the Swan Resort. These boards were very helpful in the planning. Although we had rain every day, we didn't let it ruin our vacation. (Luckily I had packed 20 of the 87 cent disposable ponchos. We preferred carrying these rather than the heavier ponchos that we have.)
THE SWAN: We were a little hesitant about staying at the Swan...but, it really was lovely. I found the people there to be very helpful and friendly. We were upgraded at check-in to a room on the 10th floor with a wonderful view. We arrived at 10:30 AM and were able to get into a room at that time.
The girls (ages 10 and 13) received a "passport" that they had to get stamped at various resort locations such as the front desk, bell hop, Tubbi's etc. When they had 5 stamps they were able to get a free ice cream cone at the Dolphin Fountain.
The Concierge desk was very convenient for making dinner reservations.
The pools were wonderful although we usually didn't get to swim until late at night because of the rain in the afternoon. It was neat swimming and listening to the music from the last Fantasmic show.
As many have said...the location is fabulous. We used the boat for MGM, but walked to Epcot because it is so close. We also liked walking to the Boardwalk - either for breakfast the Boardwalk Bakery or for a late night snack. We never waited longer tham 10 minutes for a bus to Animal Kingdom, Magic Kingdom, Blizzard Beach or Downtown Disney.
We purchased the refillable mugs and enjoyed the pizza & salad at Tubbi's and ice cream sodas/sundaes at the Dolphin Fountain...other than that we ate in the parks. Our ONLY unpleasant experience was at Tubbi's when we asked about purchasing the refillable mugs. We had just arrived; deposited the bags in the room and headed for a nice cold beverage. The cashier said that she only had one mug left at the counter and was too busy to get any more. She was really abrupt in her response. I asked someone behind the line if they could give her a hand because she seemed to be overwhelmed. The woman just rolled her eyes when I told her what the cashier said - but, she did send someone to help her and we got the mugs. From that day on, as our 13 year-old put it, "That lady doesn't seem to like us". Our girls are very well behaved...people are always complimenting their behavior. I am certain that they did nothing - nor did we - to make this woman so miserable. It was just a shame that she was one of the first people we encountered. I am a teacher - but have also waitressed for many years over the summer months. So, I know that it isn't always easy to deal with the public - yet, I also know that it is my job to make their experience as pleasant as possible. I think she really stuck out because she is the ONLY rude person that we have encountered in all of our Disney vacations. (Many in Florida; 1 each in Paris and California) Disney Club card can easlily be used for a 20% food discount at Swan & Dolphin restaurants, inlcuding Tubbi's.
Our room was always cleaned well and in a timely fashion. We received a note from our housekeeper thanking us for our daily tips. (I see that is a hot topic on the resorts board!)
As our flight was not until the evening, we asked for a late check-out. If the room is available, one can stay for free until 1:00; after that you can stay until 4PM for the cost of $30.00 We took the latter option - simply had to call the desk the day of departure to request it. The night before we were assured that we could stay until at least noon...just had to call in the AM to request the later stay. In our opinion...it was well worth the $30.00 to stay there for the day - go to the Boardwalk for breakfast; swim; have a leisurely lunch.
TIFFANY TOWNCAR - For the first time we used Tiffany Towncar for transportation to and from the airport. Service was excellent! We opted NOT to take advantage of the grocery store stop.
SPIRIT AIRLINES - Both flighs were perfect - smooth check-in; smmoth flight; bagge recovered quickly.
FOOD - We were meeting others in Disney World...so it was hard to please everyone and we did a lot of "picking". We did eat at Sci-Fi. As some have said...food wasn't special...but it was a neat experience. We also ate at the Biergarten for dinner...food seemed better than we remembered and the atmosphere is always fun. We had Lunch at Cinderella's Castle...nice experience.
PARKS - For the most part, we did not find the lines to be too bad. When they were, we used fast pass. The longest lines were in the morning at security...but, even that wasn't bad. (in our opinion)
Overall, we are NOT difficult people to please...we tend to go with the flow...and had a GREAT TIME!
If anyone has any questions that I might be able to answer...would be glad to help!
THE SWAN: We were a little hesitant about staying at the Swan...but, it really was lovely. I found the people there to be very helpful and friendly. We were upgraded at check-in to a room on the 10th floor with a wonderful view. We arrived at 10:30 AM and were able to get into a room at that time.
The girls (ages 10 and 13) received a "passport" that they had to get stamped at various resort locations such as the front desk, bell hop, Tubbi's etc. When they had 5 stamps they were able to get a free ice cream cone at the Dolphin Fountain.
The Concierge desk was very convenient for making dinner reservations.
The pools were wonderful although we usually didn't get to swim until late at night because of the rain in the afternoon. It was neat swimming and listening to the music from the last Fantasmic show.
As many have said...the location is fabulous. We used the boat for MGM, but walked to Epcot because it is so close. We also liked walking to the Boardwalk - either for breakfast the Boardwalk Bakery or for a late night snack. We never waited longer tham 10 minutes for a bus to Animal Kingdom, Magic Kingdom, Blizzard Beach or Downtown Disney.
We purchased the refillable mugs and enjoyed the pizza & salad at Tubbi's and ice cream sodas/sundaes at the Dolphin Fountain...other than that we ate in the parks. Our ONLY unpleasant experience was at Tubbi's when we asked about purchasing the refillable mugs. We had just arrived; deposited the bags in the room and headed for a nice cold beverage. The cashier said that she only had one mug left at the counter and was too busy to get any more. She was really abrupt in her response. I asked someone behind the line if they could give her a hand because she seemed to be overwhelmed. The woman just rolled her eyes when I told her what the cashier said - but, she did send someone to help her and we got the mugs. From that day on, as our 13 year-old put it, "That lady doesn't seem to like us". Our girls are very well behaved...people are always complimenting their behavior. I am certain that they did nothing - nor did we - to make this woman so miserable. It was just a shame that she was one of the first people we encountered. I am a teacher - but have also waitressed for many years over the summer months. So, I know that it isn't always easy to deal with the public - yet, I also know that it is my job to make their experience as pleasant as possible. I think she really stuck out because she is the ONLY rude person that we have encountered in all of our Disney vacations. (Many in Florida; 1 each in Paris and California) Disney Club card can easlily be used for a 20% food discount at Swan & Dolphin restaurants, inlcuding Tubbi's.
Our room was always cleaned well and in a timely fashion. We received a note from our housekeeper thanking us for our daily tips. (I see that is a hot topic on the resorts board!)
As our flight was not until the evening, we asked for a late check-out. If the room is available, one can stay for free until 1:00; after that you can stay until 4PM for the cost of $30.00 We took the latter option - simply had to call the desk the day of departure to request it. The night before we were assured that we could stay until at least noon...just had to call in the AM to request the later stay. In our opinion...it was well worth the $30.00 to stay there for the day - go to the Boardwalk for breakfast; swim; have a leisurely lunch.
TIFFANY TOWNCAR - For the first time we used Tiffany Towncar for transportation to and from the airport. Service was excellent! We opted NOT to take advantage of the grocery store stop.
SPIRIT AIRLINES - Both flighs were perfect - smooth check-in; smmoth flight; bagge recovered quickly.
FOOD - We were meeting others in Disney World...so it was hard to please everyone and we did a lot of "picking". We did eat at Sci-Fi. As some have said...food wasn't special...but it was a neat experience. We also ate at the Biergarten for dinner...food seemed better than we remembered and the atmosphere is always fun. We had Lunch at Cinderella's Castle...nice experience.
PARKS - For the most part, we did not find the lines to be too bad. When they were, we used fast pass. The longest lines were in the morning at security...but, even that wasn't bad. (in our opinion)
Overall, we are NOT difficult people to please...we tend to go with the flow...and had a GREAT TIME!
If anyone has any questions that I might be able to answer...would be glad to help!
MKY
